Key Takeaways
- The Northwest Iowa Community College Board of Trustees has approved the purchase of new lab equipment for its applied technologies program.
- The new equipment includes two computer numerical control (CNC) mills and two lathes, which will be used to benefit students and prepare them for careers in machining.
- The college has also established a nurse aide program, which will allow the school to track student progress and completion rates.
- The nurse aide program can be completed for credit or not, and the instruction remains the same on the path to completion.
- The funding for the new equipment will come from the equipment reserve fund and the college foundation.
Introduction to New Lab Equipment
The Northwest Iowa Community College Board of Trustees has approved the purchase of new lab equipment for its applied technologies program. The program, which operates out of Building C at the Sheldon campus, will receive two computer numerical control (CNC) mills and two lathes. This new equipment will be used to benefit students and prepare them for careers in machining. The school currently has one of each machine, which are brand new, and some older machines that need repairs may be sold. The new equipment will allow students to gain hands-on experience with the latest technology and develop the skills that employers are looking for.
Benefits of the New Equipment
The dean of the applied technologies program, Shane Peterson, explained that the new equipment will be used to develop student skills in machining. The program is designed to give students manual machining experience, as well as the opportunity to work on self-guided projects. The new equipment will allow students to gain a good understanding of the basic skills that employers are looking for, and to use those skills throughout the program. The goal is for students to have confidence in operating the machines and to know the difference between the different codes that make the machines move. Peterson hopes that the new equipment will arrive by the end of January and that it will be used to benefit students for years to come.
Long-Term Plans for the Program
In the long-term, Peterson plans to acquire two more mills and lathes, which will allow each student to use a machine independently. The program currently has nine first-year students, with an estimated cap of around 10-12 students. The funding for the new equipment will come from the equipment reserve fund that the college set aside, as well as some dollars from the foundation that will be transferred over. Peterson is hopeful that the new equipment will help to attract more students to the program and to prepare them for successful careers in machining.
Establishment of the Nurse Aide Program
The Northwest Iowa Community College Board of Trustees also voted unanimously to establish a nurse aide program. While the college already offers a CNA program, which is a required piece of many healthcare degrees and pathways, it was not previously classified in the school catalog. The new program will allow the school to track student progress and completion rates, and to report those numbers at the state level. The program can be completed for credit or not, and the instruction remains the same on the path to completion. The CNA will still be classified as a certification, not a diploma.
Benefits of the Nurse Aide Program
The establishment of the nurse aide program is a significant development for the college, as it will allow the school to better support students who are pursuing careers in healthcare. The program will provide students with the opportunity to gain the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the healthcare field, and to prepare them for certification as a nurse aide. The college will also be able to track student progress and completion rates, which will help to identify areas for improvement and to make data-driven decisions about the program. Overall, the establishment of the nurse aide program is a positive development for the college and for students who are interested in pursuing careers in healthcare.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Northwest Iowa Community College Board of Trustees has approved the purchase of new lab equipment for its applied technologies program and has established a nurse aide program. The new equipment will provide students with hands-on experience with the latest technology and will help to prepare them for careers in machining. The nurse aide program will allow the school to track student progress and completion rates, and to provide students with the opportunity to gain the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the healthcare field. Overall, these developments are positive steps forward for the college and for students who are interested in pursuing careers in these fields.
